This is a guest post By Boluwatife Ukanah

I remember finishing college and hoping to get a job immediately after, finished NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) and I was very optimistic about getting a job because I felt that I possessed good qualifications, from my B.sc to Certification In digital marketing to earning a Certification in human resources management. All sound cliché, but who else was anxious about getting a job after college? We all were, especially in a country that is not has organized as the Western World.

Fast-forward to today, a friend of my asked how I got a job immediately after my service year. I considered myself special or in fact lucky, but truth is I had to understand the process of job applications: from writing CV’s to understanding job searching keywords, registering on job websites to following people on the right social media platforms, to having a mentor or a guardian. Though may seem like a lot, maybe it’s a lot but it’s worth it.

Having a lot of days where I would sit in front of my laptop for hours trying to find one or two things, and making sure I submit at least one to two applications daily, making it 6 applications per week. It may sound unreal but it’s real. I advise Ayo (my friend) and anyone, that they should use more of social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. These media platforms have helped me meet the right people, find mentors, build my LinkedIn account professionally which made it looks attractive for employers who were interested in my field. Also applied for jobs on there, got referrals and emails and they were quite encouraging. It helped me in understanding the importance of acquiring diverse knowledge and how it brought attention to my profile. LinkedIn will not only build you career wise or business wise, it will help you discover your potential that you never saw. Give it a try and thank me later.

Understanding Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume and its format is as important as finding a job that suits you, or gives you a sense of satisfaction. This is a broad part that gives way for you in any job application. First, knowing the difference between a CV and a Resume is key. This continue to be a huge problem for job searchers and have also cancelled job applications of job seekers with the best qualifications. Curriculum Vitae shows detailed information of your qualifications, skills, certifications and experiences, giving full details of your duties and responsibilities at your previous work place and not forgetting references if asked to. Résumé is contains to be a concise information, without beating about the bush.

Résumé is a one page summary of your work experience and relevant background information. Résumé can be used to apply for all types of job positions. It provides recruiters with a brief overview of the candidates work history. Cover letter is as important as CV and Resume, but do not automatically give you a direct pass to getting job. A Cover letter stands a motivation letter and it is a document that is attached to your job application to show that you are the best candidate for the job. It complements the information on your CV or Resume, explaining your skills, show your personality and also explain the information missing in your CV or Resume. I consider it to be a bit of your personal story. In conclusion, job searchers should pay more details to CV, Resume and Cover letters and they should also know that to write an impressive cover letter, it requires extra time and understanding.

Another advise I would give anyone is to register on job websites pages, of the likes of Indeed, Jobberman, Jobmas, Recruitment Trust, NG Career, e.t.c.I know you must be wondering why I know so much about this job websites, oh well I have a long history of job searching…lol.These websites were not only created for job seekers but also for employers and business owners. Created so all these group of people can meet up, to meet each other’s needs. I want to also add that these websites also teach/offer professional and self-growth courses like Emotional Intelligence, Networking, Work-Life Balance, etc. Helping you to understand your work colleague, effective networking and work-life balancing.

Talking of “job search keywords” this is a very important aspect of job searching. Instances where a job seeker who is in need of a job position in “Digital Marketing”. Job searchers should understand that they need to be precise as possible and they should also try as many related key words as possible. For that of Digital Marketing, he or she can search for key words like ‘Digital Marketer’, ‘Digital Marketing Intern’, ‘Social Media Manager’, ‘Social Media Intern’, ‘IT Intern’. This is an example of what we mean by pay more attention on keywords, most job searchers search for job positions of their choice without thinking of looking further. This has made so many job seekers miss opportunities that is right in front of them. Not forgetting to also join job searching group chats, a lot is never enough. The likes of Whatsapp, Facebook and Telegram Job Searching Group Chats.

With the following, I hope Ayo and others have been able to understand job applications and its processes. I would advise that do not give up on your job searching journey, it takes time and you might just be as lucky as I was. Following the process and watch things work out for your own good, and that forget that you know your worth and do not settle for less either. It took you years to get to where you are now and you cannot give up now. All the best!!!

*Over 60% of young individuals in Nigeria between age 15 – 23 are unsure of their future and how to advance into the World of Work.

To this end, Gradrange seeks to bridge the gap between the classroom and the rapidly changing labour market by educating young individuals about the culture, opportunities, challenges, and future for employment in various fields.*